The Walt Disney World Parks are packed this holiday week. As families look to enjoy some extra holiday magic, we have seen extreme crowds arrive. Larger crowds mean longer wait times for rides, packed walkways, and peak pricing for Genie+.
Even with the large crowds, some essential tips will help you navigate the crowds and have a magical time. Although these tips will help during this holiday rush, they are also great for spring break and summer months when Disney also sees larger crowds.
Go Early or Stay Late
Setting the alarm during a vacation isn’t ideal, but it is a game changer. By being in a Disney Park early, you will be ahead of the crowds that will build midday. Take advantage of early entry when staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel.
Early entry allows Walt Disney World Resorts guests to enter any of the four Disney Parks a half hour early. This might seem like a bit of time, but it can be a huge win when it comes to being a step ahead of the crowds.
The same strategy goes for the evening hours. If your family can stay late, take advantage of the longer park hours. During busier times of the year, park hours are extended to accommodate the crowd level. As those families with younger kids typically head out as the evening continues, the parks become much easier to navigate.
Guests staying at a Deluxe Resort can also take advantage of extended evening hours. These happen on select days throughout the year. Guests staying at these select resorts can enjoy up to three additional hours at the theme park after closing. During the busy time of year, this is a great perk.
Being in the parks early or late is a great way to avoid heavy crowds at Walt Disney World.
Eat Outside of the Parks
Navigating the quick service locations within the Disney Parks during mealtime can be frustrating. To avoid the large crowds during mealtime, consider heading out of the parks for a meal.
Grab a boat, bus, monorail, or skyliner to visit a nearby Disney Resort for a meal. Whether you hope to have a sit-down or a quick meal, these Resorts offer some outstanding options.
Mobile ordering is also vital during mealtime. Use this feature in your My Disney Experience app to avoid long waits when you are hungry.
Discover the Quiet Spots
Even when Disney Parks are super busy, quiet and hidden areas remain. Take some time before you head down to find where these places are throughout the parks you plan to visit.
In Disney’s Animal Kingdom, enjoy walking around the trails. Catch a ride on the PeopleMover in Magic Kingdom, or people watch while in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. When visiting EPCOT, we love to get lost back in the countries. There are so many hidden gems throughout the World Showcase that many guests don’t know about, making this much quieter and less crowded.
Related: Best Quiet Places in Walt Disney World
Find the Magic Outside of the Parks
Finally, when the parks get busy, head out; Walt Disney World has so much magic to offer that you can also discover it outside of the Disney Parks.
Take time to relax at your Walt Disney World Resort. Enjoy the book, crafts, and other activities throughout the day.
Consider heading out to play mini-golf, bowl, or fish. Disney’s Fort Wilderness has so much for guests to enjoy that you can spend a whole day there having a wonderful time together.
Enjoying all the magic outside the four main parks is a great way to escape the crowds.
These few tips can help you manage Walt Disney World when the crowds become too much.
Related: Unpleasant Challenges Coming to Disney in 2024
